How to flash Xiaomi Mi Box S: all ways to update the firmware

Xiaomi Mi Box S

Firmware via USB or ADB

Many users are afraid to update their firmware themselves for fear of losing their warranty or breaking the device. In fact, if you follow the proven instructions and use official files from Xiaomi, the risks are minimal. Moreover, in some cases (for example, when the system freezes or errors), firmware is the only way to bring the Mi Box S back to life. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of updating, including automatic updates over the network, manual installation via USB and even restore via fastboot.

It's important to understand that USB firmware and ADB firmware are two fundamentally different methods, one for most users and requires minimal technical knowledge, and the other for experienced users who want to install custom software or restore a device after a major failure, and we'll describe both options in detail, and we'll also explain how to avoid typical errors.

If your Mi Box S is no longer on, is stuck on the logo or constantly reboots, do not rush to bring it to the service. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by flashing the firmware. The main thing is to choose the right version of the software and not interrupt the update process.

Official and custom firmware: what to choose?

Before you start firmware, you need to decide on the type of software. Official firmware from Xiaomi guarantees stability, but often lags in functionality. Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or AOSP) offer more features, but may contain bugs or not support some of the features of the Mi Box S.

Here are the key differences between the types of firmware:

• 🔹 Official firmware: stable operation, support for all functions, automatic updates. Cons - limited settings, advertising in the MIUI TV.
• 🔹 Custom firmware: no advertising, advanced settings, support for new versions of Android. Cons - possible bugs, lack of warranty support.
• 🔹 Stock firmware with root rights: official software, but with the bootloader unlocked.

For most users, the best choice is the official firmware of the latest version, which can be downloaded from the Xiaomi website or through the built-in update menu, and Custom firmware should only be considered if you are confident in your skills or want to get features that are not available in the stockware (for example, support for Dolby Vision or AV1).

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware will void Xiaomi’s warranty and may result in blocking some services such as Google Play Services or Widevine L1 (playback HD Netflix).

Preparation for firmware: what to do in advance

Regardless of the firmware method chosen, device preparation is a critical step, and neglecting this step can lead to data loss or even the Mi Box S crashing.

Here is the checklist of mandatory actions before firmware:

Make a backup copy of settings and applications |

Check the charge of the remote (or connect the keyboard via USB) |

Download the correct firmware version for your model |

Prepare. USB-accumulator (FAT32, at least 4 GB)|

Disable all peripherals (hard drives, gamepads) |

Ensure the stability of the power supply (use the original power supply)

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Pay special attention to backup. The Mi Box S doesn’t have a built-in backup feature, so you’ll need to use third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root rights) or manually save a list of installed apps through Settings → Apps.

Also check the version of your device. To do this, go to Settings → Device → About the program. The "Model" bar should indicate MDZ-22-AB (this is the standard version of the Mi Box S). If the model is different, the firmware may not fit!

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If you don’t have the original remote, plug in. USB-keyboard or mouse before the firmware, and in case of a failure, this will help control the device through the recovery menu.

Method 1: Automatic updates via the Internet

The easiest and safest method is an Air Update (OTA) which is suitable if your device is turned on and connected to the internet. Xiaomi regularly releases updates for the Mi Box S, fixing bugs and adding new features.

To update the firmware automatically:

1. Connect the Mi Box S to the network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
2. Go to Settings → Device → About the program → System Update.
3. Click on "Check Updates."
4. If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen.

It's going to take 10 to 20 minutes. It's going to reboot a few times, which is normal. Don't turn off the power during the upgrade.

⚠️ Attention: If after OTA-Mi Box S started to brake or overheat, reset settings through Settings → The device → Resetting. This often solves compatibility issues.

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Automatic updates are the most reliable method, but they only work if the device is not damaged and has access to Xiaomi servers.

Method 2: Manual firmware via USB (for power users)

If you don't have automatic updates, or if you want to install a specific version of your firmware, you can use manual installation via USB, which requires more action, but gives you full control over the process.

You'll need:

• 📁 Firmware file in.zip format (you can download from the official website of Xiaomi).
• 💾 USB-storage device (formatted in FAT32).
• 🔌 Original power cable (to avoid shutdown during firmware).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware and rename the file to update.zip.
2. Copy it into the root catalogue. USB-storage device (not in the folder!).
3. Connect the flash drive to the Mi Box S.
4. Go to Settings → Device → About the program → System Update.
5. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select "Select Update File".
6. Show the way to update.zip on USB-storage.
7. Confirm the installation and wait until the completion (about 15-30 minutes).

If after the reboot the device is stuck on the logo, reset to factory settings through the recovery menu (press OK + Menu on the remote when turned on).

Method 3: Firmware via ADB and Fastboot (for advanced)

If the Mi Box S is not turned on or is stuck in the boot cycle, you may need to run firmware through fastboot, a method that is more complicated, but allows you to restore the device even after serious failures.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools and Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB-A — USB-A (Connecting the Mi Box S to a PC).
• 📁 Firmware file in.img format (for example, fastboot_rom.zip).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the archive with the firmware in the folder with fastboot.
2. Connect the Mi Box S to your PC by holding the OK + Back button on the remote (this will trigger fastboot mode).
3. Open the command line in the firmware folder and execute: fastboot devices If the device is determined, continue.
4. Run the firmware command: fastboot flashall or (if the file is called otherwise): fastboot update name file.img
5. Wait until the process is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

⚠️ Note: If there is an error during fastboot firmware FAILED (remote: 'unknown command', check the fastboot version (should be at least 31.0.0) and try again.

Recovery after a failed firmware

If something goes wrong and the Mi Box S stops turning on, don’t panic. In most cases, the device can be restored via recovery or fastboot.

Recovery methods:

• 🔄 Reset via recovery: Squeeze OK + When you turn on Menu, select Wipe data/factory reset.
• 🔧 Fastboot Flashing: As described in the previous section, but using stock ROM.
• 📡 Update through OTG-Connect the Mi Box S to another Android device and use the Mi Assistant app.

If the device does not respond to any manipulation, check:

• 🔌 Power cable and unit (try knowingly working).
• 🔋 Capacitors on board (bloated capacitors are a common cause of “dead” devices).
• 🔌 Port port HDMI (sometimes a problem with contacts).

In extreme cases, contact the service center. the cost of repairing the Mi Box S usually does not exceed 1500-2000 rubles, which is cheaper than buying a new device.

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If the Mi Box S does not turn on after firmware, 90% of the time it helps to re-install the firmware via fastboot using the original Xiaomi cable.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make firmware mistakes, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

• ❌ Update failed error — usually caused by a corrupted firmware file. Download it again and check the checksum (MD5 or SHA1).
• ❌ The device hung on the logo - reset through recovery or reflash through fastboot.
• ❌ No sound after firmware - check the sound settings in Settings → Sound (sometimes resets are reset) HDMI-CEC).
• ❌ Wi-Fi is not working – update the driver through Settings → Network → Additionally or install a patch for your firmware version.

⚠️ Note: If Google Play services stopped working after firmware (error) DF-DFERH-01), So the solution is to install the official version of the software or manually flash GApps through recovery.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions